Zierlein compares Averett to former LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White, who was a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft, and said he has the “traits and talent to become a quality NFL starter.” Further, Zierlein said Averett “is an explosive athlete with good long speed.”

Last season, Averett led the Crimson Tide with eight pass breakups. He also made 48 tackles and tied for the team lead with eight tackles in kickoff coverage. Averett didn’t do much in his first three seasons on campus; he redshirted as a true freshman in 2013, played in one game in ’14, then made just two tackles in six games in ’15 before blossoming last season, when he started 13 games.

He and Fitzpatrick — both New Jersey natives — should form one of the nation’s top two or three cornerback duos this fall.